Not So Bad...
Surviving The Annual Spring Cleaning Rituals
Spring cleaning is one of those tasks that probably brings little joy but has other benefits in an organized, healthy, and generally more pleasant home. Approached the right way, spring cleaning is not a burdensome chore but, rather, a process of decluttering, reorganizing, and preparing for the seasonal transition to warmer months.
It is important to approach spring cleaning as a project over time, not something to be accomplished all at once, to the detriment of family life and your own wellbeing. Taking a room-by-room approach allows breaks between each segment and makes the job easier to handle than taking on the entire project at once.
Plan to spend two or three hours of focused cleaning time each day, breaking the work into smaller, manageable chunks that allow for rest periods and focusing on other things that are important the remainder of the day.
The effort can be minimized with the use of “smart” technology. Robotic vacuums can take on deep cleaning functions, while smart thermostats optimize the air circulation. There are air quality monitors that will track the improvements during cleaning, and smart lighting can ensure adequate illumination to see that nothing gets missed.
Another way to save on personal labor is to hire professional cleaners to handle windows and carpets, while specialists can clean ductwork and check out heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to make sure they are operating at optimal levels. Maintaining or repairing appliances will pay off in the long run by extending their lives and ensuring they are operating at maximum efficiency.
When using household cleaners, it is important to use them correctly, never mixing different cleaners together in the hopes of making them more powerful; doing so can create toxic fumes. Many of the calls to poison control centers involve poisonings or exposure to toxic elements due to the misuse of cleaning products. Even overuse of a single product can leave fumes and residue without improving the cleaning results.
Do not consider products labeled “green” or “natural” as completely safe. They may contain ingredients that can cause irritation or toxicity at concentrated levels. As with any cleaning product, ensure there is proper ventilation, and that they are stored properly to avoid misidentifying them or leaving them accessible to children.